Sodium cellulose phosphate

Sodium Cellulose Phosphate is part of the drug class:

• Drugs for treatment of hypercalcemia

Take sodium cellulose phosphate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The Sodium Cellulose Phosphate dose your doctor recommends will be based on the following (use any or all that apply):

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• other medications you are taking
• how you respond to this medication
• your weight
• your height
• your age
• your gender

Sodium Cellulose Phosphate is available in the following doses:

• Cellulose Sodium Phosphate Oral Powder For Reconstitution

Cellulose sodium phosphate is used to prevent the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones. It is used in patients whose bodies absorb too much calcium from their food.

Cellulose sodium phosphate works by combining with the calcium and some other minerals in food. This prevents the calcium from reaching the kidneys where the stones are formed.

Cellulose sodium phosphate is available only with your doctor's prescription.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sodium cellulose phosphate, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sodium cellulose phosphate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of cellulose sodium phosphate in children with use in any other age group, its use is not recommended in children up to 16 years of age because of the increased need for calcium in growing children.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of cellulose sodium phosphate in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of sodium cellulose phosphate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bone disease—Cellulose sodium phosphate may make the condition worse

• Edema or swelling or
• Heart disease—The high sodium content of cellulose sodium phosphate may cause the body to hold water

• Intestinal problems or
• Parathyroid disease or problems—Cellulose sodium phosphate may increase the risk of bone problems

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Convulsions (seizures)
• drowsiness
• loss of appetite
• mood or mental changes
• muscle spasms or twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• trembling
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Abdominal or stomach discomfort
• loose bowel movements or diarrhea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.